Many people hesitate to take advantage of Internet banking because they aren't confident it is a safe and secure method for conducting financial business. Fortunately Internet banking is extremely safe and becoming safer and more secure every day. Currently the Internet sends information from computer to computer using unsecured lines of communication. Normally that would allow anyone to access information transferred from one computer to another.

Most banks however provide secure financial service networks using Secure Sockets Layers or other technology that encrypts information you send over the Internet. That means the data you send from one computer to another is encrypted to prevent outsiders from peaking in and seeing your private information.

This technology, referred to as SSL technology is now accepted or compatible with most browsers including Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. Usually you'll see a little yellow padlock in the right lower hand corner of your screen, indicating that a page is being secured using this technology.

Other Security Measures

Most Internet banks offer other protective measures to ensure your information is kept safe and secure. Some examples of other security measures in place include:

Secure logins
You will create your own online access account number and code that you will need each time you log in.

Limited logins
Many banks limit the number of times you can attempt to log in per day and lock you out if you exceed this. That way someone can't attempt to break your login code easily.

Limited sessions
Most banks offer limited sessions that require you to re-login after you have been inactive for a period of time preventing anyone from viewing your information if you leave your computer for too long.